Eto sat alone at the edge of a massive rock on the seaside cliff, her bandaged feet dangling lightly over a hundred meter drop, humming a light yet nameless tune.
Suddenly, a dark red dot appeared at the far end of the sky.
That speck of color rapidly expanded in the air, tearing through the clouds at astonishing speed as it approached.
Eto narrowed her single eye, the corner of her lips curling upward.
She stood and waved forcefully toward the sky, her red cloak snapping loudly in the wind along the cliff.
As if receiving a clear signal, the dark red trajectory carved a smooth arc in the air and abruptly changed direction.
The next second, accompanied by the whistle of rushing air, Amano Hiro folded his wings and landed lightly on the rock beside her.
Eto looked at him with a bright smile. "So fast, Hiro."
Amano Hiro keenly caught the fleeting teasing glint in Eto's eyes. He immediately turned his head as if he had not noticed. "Why did you suddenly change the base?"
This island, Rushima, was the Aogiri Tree base that the CCG attacked in the final operation in the anime.
Tatara was also killed here by "Pineapple King" Takizawa Seidou. To Amano Hiro, this island felt somewhat unlucky.
The Rushima operation could be said to have practically annihilated Aogiri Tree. By the end, there were barely any members left.
Eto clasped her hands behind her back and led the way, letting out a sigh. "There have been white doves wandering near the previous base recently. It was not safe anymore."
The island itself was not very large. Soon, Eto led Amano Hiro to the center of the island.
There stood a large manor at the center, built rather magnificently.
"Well, Hiro? The new base is not bad, right?" Eto asked with a smile.
Amano Hiro nodded. "It is indeed good. Much better than that underground rat hole."
Although Amano Hiro felt this place was somewhat unlucky, the scenery here was undeniably pleasant.
With this manor added, it even felt like the private territory of a powerful conglomerate.
If a group of beautiful girls were gathered here for a party, it would probably feel quite impressive.
The two pushed the door open and entered, just in time to see Tatara sitting in the hall.
Hearing the sound, Tatara looked toward the entrance and nodded in acknowledgment.
Tatara was the same as ever, taciturn and expressionless, impossible to read.
The two then went to a hall on the second floor. Near the window in the center stood an ancient looking chair, resembling a throne.
Eto quickly walked over and patted the backrest. "This is the throne prepared for you. What do you think, Hiro?"
"When the time comes, you will sit on this throne and issue orders, leading all ghouls into a new world. Hahaha. Just like a Demon King. It feels impressive, does it not?"
Listening to Eto's description, Amano Hiro could already picture it. It really did feel quite impressive.
When the time came, he would sit there, cadres standing on both sides, and a crowd of subordinates below. It truly would look the part.
Amano Hiro came back to his senses, nearly carried away by Eto. "Let us discuss business first. By the way, call Tatara and Kamishiro Matasaka as well."
"OK. There is a reception room over there. Hiro, sit for a while. I will call them."
Amano Hiro looked at the seat and the window behind it. This was precisely where Tatara had died in the end.
He walked to the chair. Carnage surged from his entire body, instantly covering him before he slowly sat on the "throne."
Resting his chin on one hand, he looked at the empty hall.
Before long, Eto and the other two returned. The three of them paused in unison upon entering the hall.
They looked at the crimson figure seated upon the "throne," feeling the oppressive aura emanating from him. The same thought arose in their hearts. This was what a King of Ghouls should be like.
Amano Hiro looked at the three standing frozen in place and slowly rose.
He stepped down the stairs as Carnage gradually withdrew into his body. "Well? Do I look like a king?"
Eto was the first to recover. "Mm. You truly do look like a king. Why not let everyone come and meet the new king?"
Amano Hiro waved his hand. "No hurry. Let us deal with V first."
Inside the reception room, no sooner had they sat down than Eto asked, "Hiro came over in such a hurry. Is there something urgent?"
"Mm." Amano Hiro nodded, his gaze sweeping over the three of them.
"I am preparing to make a move against Sunlit Garden and uproot V completely. Our plan should move to the next stage."
The three could not help but be startled. This plan was bold and extremely dangerous.
Their reactions differed. Tatara frowned slightly. "Too dangerous."
Kamishiro Matasaka crossed his arms without speaking. Since this son in law had voiced it, he must be confident.
Eto's eyes lit up. "When? Tonight?"
"No hurry." Amano Hiro shook his head.
"Tonight I will scout first to confirm the target's location and situation. If we move, we must ensure a clean sweep in one go and give them no chance to react."
He paused slightly. "As for the danger, Mr. Tatara, there is no need to worry too much. I will not do something without confidence."
Tatara nodded slightly and said no more.
Kamishiro Matasaka spoke in a deep voice. "How exactly do you want us to cooperate?"
"I'll scout tonight." Amano Hiro said.
"Once feasibility is confirmed, the three of you, along with Manager Yoshimura and Rize, the six of us will act together. We must resolve it in one operation and leave no future trouble."
Kamishiro Matasaka nodded. "Very well." He paused, his tone softening slightly. "Rize, that girl, has she been well recently?"
"She is well." Amano Hiro replied.
Eto, who had been listening quietly, rolled her eyes and spoke at the right moment. "Hiro would not have come all this way just to talk about Sunlit Garden, would he?"
"Mm." Amano Hiro looked at her, his expression turning serious. "I also have some ideas about the subsequent plan."
When they came out of the reception room, the sun had already set. After bidding farewell to the others, Amano Hiro did not linger. He shot into the sky, turning into a streak of light and disappearing into the night.
....
Click.
The sound of the lock turning echoed softly as Amano Hiro pushed the door open. "I am back."
"Welcome home, my dear." Rize walked over at the sound of his voice and helped him change into his indoor slippers.
She then stepped back a few paces, smiling. "Will my dear eat dinner first, bathe first, or eat me first?"
Amano Hiro stepped forward, lifted Rize in his arms, and sat on the sofa. "Although I would like to eat all of it, there is serious business tonight. It will not be too late to eat after I return."
Rize nestled in his arms, rubbing against him like a cat. "Hiro means the matter of Sunlit Garden?"
Amano Hiro rested his chin atop her head and rubbed lightly. "Yes. Tonight we will scout it and prepare to act."
He patted her back. "Go change first. We will depart shortly."